Do they need another one?
It’s no secret that last season the Dallas Cowboys’ running game was average at best — and some fans believe the answer is trading for veteran running back Antonio Gibson.
The front office has already taken notice of the struggles quickly in the offseason, nearly cleaning house at the position and aiming to completely reload the backfield. It started by signing two proven veterans, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, then drafting Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in the fifth and seventh rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. On top of that, Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke both have had reps at the running back position as well.
With six legitimate options already on the roster, all of whom could realistically contribute, you’d think that would be enough. But many Cowboys fans remain unconvinced and are calling for the team to trade for yet another back — with Gibson, a familiar NFC East foe, at the top of their wish list.
After a few solid seasons as a Dallas enemy in Washington, Gibson signed with New England this offseason but now finds himself buried on the Patriots’ depth chart — behind Rhamondre Stevenson and likely slipping to third string after the team drafted Ohio State standout TreVeyon Henderson. That has fueled speculation he could be available and that Dallas could pounce.
But does adding another running back even make sense? Bringing Gibson — or anyone — into this crowded backfield would leave the Cowboys with six backs (excluding Luepke as a fullback), and realistically only four will make the 53-man roster. That means two capable players would likely be cut by the end of preseason.
Strategically, the answer is likely no. The team is already positioned to release one contributor at the position, so trading assets to bring in another player at roughly the same expected level seems unnecessary. Depth is valuable, but there’s usually only one ball carrier on the field at a time, and the roster spots could be better used elsewhere.
Would Antonio Gibson realistically compete?
Absolutely. He brings experience, versatility, and the physical tools of a Pro Bowl-caliber back. But guaranteeing he would beat out the current group isn’t realistic — it would be a tight competition across the board. Williams and Sanders are established veterans, Blue and Mafah were dynamic in college and could shake up the depth chart, and Vaughn is the only back already familiar with Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, giving him an edge.
At this point, adding Gibson would mean betting that a trade acquisition could outperform a refreshed and already crowded room — a gamble few front offices are willing to make. Still, the idea lingers. While bringing in another back this offseason may not be the smartest move, it’s a move some fans continue to hope for — and one that can’t be ruled out as the 2025 season approaches.